Spring outdoor burning to resume May 16

Posted May 15, 2019

The spring outdoor burning season will reopen in Lane County tomorrow, May 16, after being temporarily suspended due to high fire danger for the past week.

Last week’s hot temperatures and windy conditions factored into the Lane Fire Defense Board and Oregon Department of Forestry’s decision to temporarily close the outdoor burn season. The agencies have decided that the recent rain and forecasted precipitation help reduce fire risk enough to reopen the burn season.

Although burn season will reopen, residents must check the rules and the daily advisory before burning. Different areas in Lane County have different rules, with some cities like Eugene and Florence banning outdoor burning entirely within their city limits.

The advisory is online: www.lrapa.org or call the burn line at 541-726-3976.

“The current fire risk is down but we always encourage residents to look for alternative ways to get rid of their yard debris,” said Lane Regional Air Protection Agency spokesperson, Jo Niehaus. “Chipping, composting, and hauling the debris away will help reduce smoke and fire danger.”

Outdoor burning season will officially close June 1 for Oakridge and Lowell, and June 15 for other areas in Lane County unless heightened fire danger closes the season early. The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency reminds residents that violation of outdoor burning rules can result in stiff fines. Burning in barrels is illegal in Lane County year-round and garbage burning is illegal throughout Oregon.